McLaren racing star Lewis Hamilton is just one GP away from possibly writing himself into the history books as the youngest-ever F1 champion, but when he’s not carving up the race track the 23-year-old-Brit is usually driving a much slower vehicle – a diesel SUV in fact.

The vehicle is the Mercedes Benz GL320 CDI and it is the second GL SUV owned by Hamilton. It features a 3.0L V6 common-rail diesel engine with 224hp (167kW) and 276lb-ft (510Nm) of torque. His F1 car, on the other hand, has a 2.4L V8 engine with more than 800hp (596kW) and a 19,000-plus rpm limit.

Explaining his choice of road-going vehicle, Lewis said: “At the track I always drive on the limit, but on public roads I like to relax, kick back and cruise. The GL’s perfect for that – it’s got plenty of space for all my kit, a brilliant sound system, and the high driving position gives me a clear view of the road ahead. It’s just about the most comfortable road car I’ve driven.”

He also boasted about the car’s extras such as the metallic black paint with matching leather, privacy glass, and “awesome” 21in AMG wheels.

Hamilton may be able to add another model to his collection if he wins the F1 championship at next month’s Brazilian GP. After taking an interest in one of only five McLaren F1 LM supercars in the McLaren factory more than ten years ago, team boss Ron Dennis promised the car to him if he wins the drivers’ championship and McLaren is crowned constructors' champion.

Interestingly, Fernando Alonso was given an ultra-rare Mercedes-McLaren 722 as his personal car during his short stay at the Mercedes-backed team last year.